Becca’s dog Hugs raced through with someone’s rag doll in its mouth. It was funny, but it turned breakfast into chaos as adults and children alike tripped over one another trying to rescue the hapless doll.
Brenna quickly gathered the dirty dishes and began the job of washing them. She jumped out of the way as Hugs and his pursuers raced by. Finally, Sullivan yelled for Hugs and the dog dropped the doll and went right to him.
Then the crying began, as all the babies seemed to wail at once. Becca cried, proclaiming it was all her fault. Daisy sobbed the loudest, since it was her doll that had holes from Hugs’ teeth all through it.
When Fitzpatrick snuck by her to the back door, she laughed. He grinned and stared at her. Warmth flooded her until she tingled all over. They stood with their gazes locked on each other until the room quieted down. Huffing out a breath, he broke the stare and headed outside.
“That boy has it for you. I see it in the way he looks at you,” Dolly commented as she brought over a few of the empty cups. “He had no interest until you came along.”
“I think he just feels protective,” denied Brenna, struggling to make her voice sound less breathless. “How can he care for me? I don’t even know who I am.”
“Goodness shines from you.” Dolly touched Brenna on the arm and squeezed lightly. “That’s what matters.”
Teagan walked into the kitchen. “I hope you get a bit of peace today.” He leaned down and kissed Dolly’s cheek.
“Teagan, before you go could I speak with you?” Brenna asked. She dried her hands when he nodded and then followed him outside.
“I don’t… have anywhere else to go, and I was wondering if there was a job for me here?” She clasped her shaking hands in front of her.
He nodded. “Gemma and I were talking about it last night. It’s not safe for you to leave. And we would never ask you to go. She would like help planting a sizeable garden that would be somewhat central to all. Dolly has hers planted already—she always starts early—but I think Gemma might be on to something. Everyone helps, everyone eats, and she said most of what is grown can be jarred for the winter. Sheila has a way with plants, and I bet each of you will have distinct things you’d like to see growing in the garden.” He paused; one eyebrow raised. “What do you think? Will you be willing to help?”
She smiled. “I enjoy being outside. I’m relieved I don’t have to muck out the stalls.”
He chuckled. “You don’t need to be nervous around me.” He gave her a quick hug before he strode toward the barn.
She wrapped her arms around her middle and smiled. Then she spotted Fitzpatrick watching her from across the yard. Maybe he was wondering about the hug. She turned toward the door. Being fanciful didn’t help. Fitzpatrick had a life of his own.
She would concentrate on living her own best life. Gardening sounded splendid. Had she gardened before? She’d find out.
Chapter Five
Fitzpatrick couldn’t seem to concentrate. He and Sullivan were supposed to be fixing loose boards on the corral fence, but he kept stopping to watch the women all working the central patch of ground creating a garden. Brenna was covered head to toe in dirt but that took nothing away from her look of sweetness. In fact, it made her even more appealing.
“Fitzpatrick, are you going to moon over her, or are you going to work?” Sullivan asked.
“I don’t moon. I’m just glad she gets along with the other women. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many women in one place without some kind of fighting,” Fitzpatrick observed.
“The wives are vastly different, but even if they weren’t, I think in their hearts they want what’s best for the ranch. So, are you keeping Brenna?” Sullivan grinned.
“She works here now,” Fitzpatrick told him. Needing a distraction, he stepped into the barn and walked to Poke’s stall. He’d seen the horse’s gait had been off and already checked for problems with the hoof or his shoe.
Sullivan followed him into the barn but said nothing.
As Fitzpatrick ran his hand over the horse’s joint, Poke gave a soft neigh. “The knee seems swollen. Feels hot too,” noted Fitzpatrick.
“Let me look,” Sullivan said, closing the distance between them and stepping into the stall. “You must be glad she’s staying,” he commented as he crouched next to Poke and studied the leg.
“Makes no difference to me.” Fitzpatrick took off his Stetson and scratched his head then replaced the hat. “I don’t plan on any woman dragging me in front of the minister. I see many Sunday suppers in my future, especially if Theresa accepts my apology for leaving her hanging last Sunday.” He shook his head. “But none of that other stuff. Now that Brenna is an employee, all of us are responsible for her protection. That’ll free up time for me.”
His brother stood and urged the horse to take a couple of steps forward. “I enjoy being married. There’s magic that happens when I go home, and my wife and children are so happy to see me. I’m a much happier man now that I have someone to share my dreams with.”
“Sullivan, you’ve lost your mind.” Fitzpatrick snorted. “All this talk about magic and dreams makes me realize I will never feel that way about anyone. Plus, Theresa will give me an earful on how one doesn’t court the help.”
“So that’s all Brenna is to you?” His brother stepped away from the horse. “I think you’re holding back.”
“Look, Brenna is a likeable woman, but she is the help now. Theresa comes from money.” He gestured to Poke. “I’m hoping if we wrap the leg, it’ll heal quickly.”
“That’s the only thing I agree with. What about Dolly? She’s the help, but she’s been more of a mother to us than our own mother was.”
“I can’t explain it, but it’s different now, is all. I’m a Kavanagh, and I should expect higher standards.”
“Like Theresa?” Sullivan squeaked out.
“Exactly.” Fitzpatrick glared at him. A shuffling sound caught his attention. “Did you hear a noise?”
Sullivan nodded and shrugged. “It was probably another horse.”
“No,” Sheila said as she opened the stall door. “Just a few of us women. I’m the only one who stayed so I could yell at Fitzpatrick.” She whirled to face him, eyes flashing. “It’s hard enough being the new person here without hearing people talk about you. Besides, I see the way you look at Brenna and from what I can tell you wouldn’t want to go to supper with anyone but her.”
Sullivan stepped toward her and swung her up into his arms. “I bet I know a little baby who wants to be fed and I think his mama has been on her feet too long.” He kissed her and walked toward the house with her.
Shame and dismay washed over Fitzpatrick, and he blew out a long-defeated breath. Had Brenna heard him open his enormous mouth? He was forever putting his foot in the dad-blamed thing. Truth was, he liked Brenna just fine, but Theresa was the one he intended to court if she would have him. He would just have to put his reservations aside and get on with it. It shouldn’t be a crime to pick a woman of his own. Coming from a big family had its advantages. Minding their own business wasn’t one of them.
And because he valued his privacy, he didn’t bother to mention that he was going to Theresa’s for supper. He wanted to reassure her that she was his primary concern. He should be dressed in his Sunday go-to-church suit, but it was a little worse off since he’d been wearing it when he’d ridden to rescue Brenna, something he didn’t particularly want to remind Theresa of. He hated wearing it anyway.
Still, he had to show Theresa that he could dress and behave respectably. Teagan was about his size and probably wouldn’t miss his Sunday suit, leastways not till next Sunday, and it would be back by then. With no one about, he crept into his brother’s room and found the suit draped over a chair. Snatching it up, he hugged it against his chest and skedaddled back to the room he’d been sleeping in since Brenna’s arrival.
A short time later, he was ready and walked, keeping a watchful eye out so he could avoid question
s. The collar on his shirt seemed to close tighter and tighter with every minute he wore it. Did he need to bring flowers? There were plenty of flowers in the garden out front. He’d take a few of those. He didn’t have candy to bring. He’d find something in case flowers were not enough. He’d made sure the carriage was nice and clean before he came into the house.
Dolly handed Brenna a glass of water. “You sure did a lot of work today. You need to take a break.”
Brenna’s dry throat was overjoyed to feel the water she swallowed. “I want to be seen as an outstanding worker. I appreciate the chance for a job. I seem to know what to do as far as gardening goes.”
“If it was just you and your father, maybe it was you who did the gardening and cooking,” Dolly suggested.
“I don’t know.” Tears welled, but she blinked them back. “When I heard Fitzpatrick saying he doesn’t court the help, I realized I’ve heard that before. Maybe I’m a maid or maybe I’m a snob. Either way it’s not the nicest thing to hear.”
“What he said… well I think he’s trying—”
“No need to explain. I thought we were friends at least, and the other night—” With a frustrated sigh, Brenna held up a hand. “I should probably just leave him alone.”
“Honey what have you done to think you’ve pestered him? He rescued you, so of course you feel a connection, and I think he feels something for you he’s trying hard to question, but maybe your connection has more to do with the fear of being left alone. You are a sweet, moral woman who does not understand what flirting is.”
“Is that something I should know?” Her face heated. She needed to change the subject. “Let me help with supper. I need to take my mind off him.”
“You don’t have to worry; Fitzpatrick won’t be here this evening. He’s going to Theresa’s house.”
Brenna flashed Dolly a fake smile. Fitzpatrick going to Theresa’s didn’t make her happy. She must be jealous. It wasn’t fitting for her to feel that way. After all she was just “the help.”
“Tell you what I really need,” said Dolly. “If you could get water from the well and water my garden, I’d appreciate it.”
“Sure thing.” It was good to keep busy. She hauled the water to the garden on the side of the house and poured it around. The front door opened and closed. She set the bucket down and peeked around the corner. There was Fitzpatrick looking very handsome all dressed up. He was trying to keep his boots clean while raiding Dolly’s flowers. Quickly, she backed away. It wasn’t her business. She heard him go into the house and a few minutes later he walked into the barn.
The rise and fall of his deep voice reached her, though she didn’t catch any of the words. He must be murmuring to a horse. Probably to get him hitched to the buggy. Jealousy shot through her again. She had no right to be jealous, but she couldn’t seem to help it. It might not be her business, but she stole another peek at him. He had something else he set on the buggy seat next to him along with the flowers. Theresa was a lucky girl.
There wasn’t a way she could even think about getting married before her memories came back. She’d been told about her father and the man she was supposed to marry. That didn’t say a thing about who she had been. Could people change if they didn’t remember who they were?
“You look awfully thoughtful,” Dolly called from the back door.
Brenna put the pail by the well and joined Dolly. They sat inside, drinking water.
“Dolly do you think I could have been a mean harpy who sinned like the devil?”
Dolly’s eyes widened and her mouth formed an O. “I certainly doubt it.”
“I don’t know for sure. I’d like to think I was generous and likable but maybe I stole from people or—I don’t even know.” She took a gulp of water. Her hand shook as she set the glass on the table. She ran her finger through the condensation on the outside of the glass.
“Tell you what, if I see you going toward the sinning side of things, I’ll let you know.” Dolly sat back in the wooden chair. “It’s only us for supper tonight. Would you mind if we just had biscuits and jam? Some days the heat is almost intolerable.”
“Only us?” Brenna frowned.
“The boys went into town to look at a bull and they plan to eat there. Heaven is cooking for the wives and children. I love how they all get along. I think of them as my own.”
“You didn’t join them?”
Dolly smiled and shook her head. “I didn’t want you to be alone. We have a few of the men guarding you, but I didn’t want you to be nervous. You would have been invited but the extra men might have had the children asking questions.”
Tears sprang into Brenna’s eyes. Everyone had been so nice to her. “You’re right I would have been nervous. Thank you for staying behind.”
Dolly got up and gathered the biscuits, jam, two plates and two knives. She hummed as she set it all on the table. “I have tea ready if you like.”
“Thank you. I would like a cup.”
Dolly set two cups of tea on the table and sat down. “It must be hard trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in the world. It’s good your faith is strong; it’ll help you through. You know a few things. You’re not married, and you’re not in love. You didn’t leave any children behind, and from the sound of it your mother doesn’t seem to be around.” She sipped her tea. “I think you probably grew up with money, but your father wasted it all away. The dress you were wearing when you were found was excellent quality. You have fine manners, and you sound educated.” She reached over and patted Brenna’s hand. “So, we know a bit about you.”
Brenna smiled. “When you put it that way… Dolly, how come the brothers listen to what you have to say?”
“I’ve been here since I was seventeen. I was here to help the missus. They had another person who cooked and cleaned. But Mrs. Kavanagh was so sad a lot of the time, and she needed personal help. When she died, I took over caring for the boys. Eventually I was able to kick the lousy cook out. I shudder to think of the meals she made.” She gave a visible shudder as she said the word. “Any time one of the boys had a problem he came to me. I bandaged them more times than I can remember, and now I’ve helped to bring many of their babies into the world. There is nowhere I’d rather be.” She practically glowed.
“In all that time you didn’t want to get married?”
Dolly shook her head. “I’d had offers, but no man understood that the boys came first. I never fell in love with any of them. After a bit I stopped accepting invitations from men. I’m happiest when I’m here.”
“I know why the people on this ranch love you. You’re easy to be around.” A pathetic brief sigh slipped out. “Maybe I’ll get a few invitations for courting.”
“Well…” Dolly shook her head. “Until your pa rescinds your wanted poster, I doubt you’ll be leaving the ranch much.”
Her heart sank even further. “I forgot about that for a moment. It felt nice to be normal. I wonder if my father is a wicked man or a man who fell on awful times. I’m sure I’ll get it all figured out, but it’s so hard waiting. I want memories to think of. I want to know my favorite color or if I like to read. Do I know how to dance? Do I look like my mother? Do I have other family? Do I know how to swim? I think I know how to sew. My mind doesn’t have an awful lot in it except for questions that go round and round.” She stood. “I’m going to sit out front. Maybe a breeze will come by.”
She went out to the porch and smiled. Someone would be in trouble from trampling and picking too many flowers. The bed looked raided. Her smile turned into a frown. Theresa was the lucky recipient of those flowers. Loneliness filled her. She’d have to talk to Teagan and Dolly to see what she was allowed to do. Should she still eat with the family? Dolly did, but she was family now and hadn’t been help for a long time. She needed to leave Fitzpatrick’s room and move into the much smaller room on the first floor.
The breeze never came, just more questions about her past and more waves of loneliness. Goi
ng back into the house she busied herself moving into the small room and putting fresh sheets on Fitzpatrick’s bed. She’d miss his room that smelled of leather and spice; the smell she equated with Fitzpatrick and feeling safe. When she was done, she went and ate with Dolly. The highlight of the night came when Dolly realized one of her pies was missing.
“It could have been any of the rascals.” She laughed and shook her head.
Chapter Six
Fitzpatrick’s mind wandered as he sat on the Ballets’ porch. Theresa enjoyed sitting in the swinging love seat. She talked on and on in her flirty, lilting voice. He wasn’t listening to her. She’d spent the evening insulting his brother’s wives, Dolly, and Brenna. She wasn’t a fan of men with calloused hands either. And she planned to live in her father’s house once she was married.
“It’s a bit of a ride to the ranch each day.” Why had he even said anything? He couldn’t possibly still have any plans for them.
“My father said he’d find you a proper job in town,” she told him with excitement in her voice. She put her hand on his leg, and he moved away as far as the swing would allow him.
“Theresa, I’m a rancher born and bred. I wouldn’t think of doing anything else. There will be no job in town.” He sighed. She’d pushed him into playing along with her idea of a future between them and he’d allowed it.
No, it just wouldn’t do, no matter what he had talked himself into earlier.
He stood and gave her a polite smile. “Thank you for a fine supper, Theresa. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He smashed his hat down on his head and hightailed it to the buggy. Home was where he’d rather be. Why had he been attracted to her in the first place? She gave him a mulish look as he turned the buggy around and left.
Fitzpatrick: Cowboy Reluctant: Christian Historical Western (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 7) Page 4
